Lake Worth Beach Residents Push Back on Public Waterfront Land Giveaway

A beloved public waterfront easement in Lake Worth Beach is at risk of being transferred to private ownership, sparking backlash from residents who fear the city is favoring a wealthy few over the broader community. With concerns about transparency, precedent, and environmental impact, locals are rallying to defend public access ahead of the City Commission vote on June 17.

A growing number of Lake Worth Beach residents are raising concerns about a proposal that could shift ownership of a long-used public waterfront easement to private hands. The pocket park, tucked between homes along Lakeside Drive in the city’s historic South Palm Park neighborhood, has been a community asset for over 60 years.

City officials have signaled support for the proposal, citing complaints of drug activity and homelessness as justification for ending public access. But many longtime residents argue that the city is turning its back on public good in favor of appeasing a small group of wealthy neighbors.

"We didn’t move here expecting perfection," said Christine Cardoso, who lives a block away from the easement. "We moved here because of the charm and openness of Lake Worth Beach. This is a historic neighborhood where access to the water has always been shared. To erase that would be to erase part of the city's character."

Cardoso and others fear the decision sets a dangerous precedent. If one property owner can successfully push to acquire public land because they don’t like how it’s used, what stops others from doing the same?

Residents argue that the city’s response to concerns about crime and homelessness shouldn’t be to privatize public land. Instead, they are calling for investment in public safety, including more patrols, better lighting, and community-based solutions.

"Neglect isn't an excuse for privatization," said another neighbor. "We don’t give away public schools when they need repairs. We fix them. Parks and easements should be no different."

The area in question isn’t just a cut-through or an overgrown lot. Neighbors describe it as a place to walk dogs, launch paddleboards, meet up with friends, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the sunrise.

Wildlife advocates have also raised concerns. The site is home to native flora and fauna, including blue land crabs—a species protected under state law during spawning season. Transferring the land to private hands could threaten those habitats.

There’s also the question of process. Residents say they were not adequately informed of the proposal. Public meetings have been scheduled during off-season months or over holiday weekends, limiting turnout and participation.

"There’s a lack of transparency here that makes people uneasy," said one resident. "It feels like decisions are being made behind closed doors, and that erodes trust."

The debate is about more than one easement. It’s about the kind of community Lake Worth Beach wants to be. Will it protect public spaces and uphold its legacy of inclusivity? Or will it slowly turn into a place where access is determined by privilege and proximity?

The vote on the proposal is expected to take place at the City Commission meeting on June 17 at 6 p.m. at Lake Worth Beach City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend, submit public comments, and make their voices heard.

For more information or to get involved, visit pocketbeaches.com, sign the petition or follow @pocketbeaches on Instagram.